ADELAIDE’S 88-point, percentage-boosting win over St Kilda oozed maturity according to Crows coach Don Pyke.
His side’s percentage jumped eight points on Sunday from 119.1 per cent to 127.1 per cent, cementing the club in eighth spot and drawing it within striking distance of the top four.
The Crows had 14 players earn at least 20 possessions at Adelaide Oval to the Saints’ three.
Pyke said the side’s ability to keep pressing and continue attacking right up until Josh Jenkins’ shot at goal after the final siren highlighted its maturity.
"We’ve come off a couple of good wins in the last two weeks and it was really important that we continued to play the way we’ve been playing and build," Pyke said.
"The guys did that tonight. To win all four quarters, to start the way we did - it said we’re moving in the right direction.
"We were able to sustain our effort in the contest and the way we wanted to play for the whole game."
Pyke’s emphasis on even contribution at West Lakes was also highlighted on Sunday, not just by the astonishing disposal numbers, but in its offensive contrast to last weekend’s win over Greater Western Sydney.
Five talking points: Adelaide v St Kilda
Last week it was Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker who bagged five goals apiece, but even with Betts held to a single goal by Saint Jarryn Geary and Walker to three, the Crows still booted 19 majors.
Josh Jenkins was superb with seven, Charlie Cameron was threatening with two, Mitch McGovern was also dangerous and the club's midfield produced a number of avenues to goal.
WATCH: Jenkins deadly in Crows' seventh win
Pyke didn’t view Sunday’s performance as especially even, but did believe it reinforced how successful such contribution could be.
"That’s not dissimilar to some of the contributions we’ve had in games we’ve played well in this year," he said.
"The guys understand quite clearly: we don’t rely on one player to get it done.
"If one guy gets shut down someone else has to carry that load. Tonight was another good example of how we want to play."
